Clarence Town local and TAFE NSW student Emily Lloyd has fronted the demand for Indigenous art in NSW and developed an impressive portfolio of clients.

Since completing the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Visuals Arts at TAFE NSW Newcastle, Emily’s artwork has featured on the NSW Netball Association’s umpire uniforms. It’s been the chosen design for the uniform since 2021 and seen by thousands of spectators each season.

Most recently, the NSW Department of Education displayed Emily’s art on their 2023 Mardi Gras Float and commissioned them to run a banner design workshop, with the results now on displayed at their Arts Hub.

Graduates of the Diploma of Visual Arts are in high demand across the state, with Creative Industries predicated to be one of the fastest growing sectors in NSW over the next few years[1].

Mx Lloyd said that their success since upskilling guided their decision to continue honing their skills in a Bachelor of Creative Practice at TAFE NSW, specialising in Visual Arts.

“I always loved painting, but the courses opened my eyes to a different approach to art. I had my own style, but now I have a full toolkit of foundational skills to lean on and make a name for myself,” said Mx Lloyd.

“The Diploma is very much focused on the key building blocks and understanding creative practice for a range of mediums and equipment. I learnt so much foundationally that I didn’t think twice before enrolling in the Advanced Diploma next,” said Mx Lloyd.

“That’s where I learnt to harness my own skillsets, build a niche, and become a distinctive artist. As someone who leans more into cultural art, the support from my teachers was incredible.”

TAFE NSW Acting Director of Creative and Design Ideation, Andrew Reddan said Emily is a tremendously talented artist, but their success is the result of hard work and dedication.

“The Hunter region boasts more artists per capita than any other city in Australia, and for Emily to be showcasing their work on state-wide stages, it really is a testament to the skills they’ve developed,” said Mr Reddan.

Off the back of their recent success, Emily says they’re now focused on completing their bachelor’s degree and further developing their audience in the educational arts sector

“I recently collaborated with Library for All to illustrate the storybook titled Little Lost Whale, for the Our Yarning collection. It was exciting to work on this new medium, created to be a learning experience for Indigenous youth,” says Mx Lloyd.

“I’m hoping to continue catering towards education through my art, and after specialising, my goal is to teach workshops for children and adults.”

Media contact: Vanessa Lista, Communications Specialist, 0450 442 109